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Building community with a health-focused business
Countless studies and the experiences of many have shown that attempts to better one’s health – whether it be muscle building, improved fitness, greater mobility, or even weight loss – have a greater chance at long-term success when done in community rather than when done alone.
Why? Because people are energized by the motivation received from others going through the same experience, the positive examples they see around them, or the fact that the overall experience is just more enjoyable when done with others. Being in a community helps individuals achieve their health goals.
That’s certainly been the experience for Dr. Kanth and Shaku Miriyala of Dallas, Texas, who lead a growing Amway business focused on health and wellbeing products and programs. Born in India, Kanth and Shaku came to the U.S. in their early 20s to pursue higher education – Kanth achieved his doctorate and Shaku her master’s degree in computer science.
When they were introduced to Amway, Kanth and Shaku discovered the joy of building a business that allowed them to work with others to achieve their personal goals. They also appreciated that the business was something they could do together. The added appeal was that Amway provided high-quality, clean, sustainable products.
Reflecting on their journey, Kanth shared, “What impressed us in the beginning was the business opportunity. It was a low investment and we could just get our feet wet and learn the way.”
Focusing on Amway’s health products has allowed the Miriyalas to develop a community around their passion for health and wellbeing.
“We teach a systems and process approach to health,” said Kanth. “The way you improve your health is by changing your habits, and the way to learn how to change habits is to have new systems in place.”
“People aren’t just looking for a product, they’re looking for solutions to problems that will fit naturally into their lives,” said Shaku
The Miriyalas knew that for their team of associates and customers to get on board with a systematic approach to health, they would have to lead by example, which meant healthy eating, exercise, mindfulness and journaling. Shaku also obtained certification in plant-based nutrition from Cornell to ensure she could speak knowledgeably about Amway’s health products. And their “3 Gratitudes A Day™” community helps people develop the attitude of gratitude by sharing what they’re thankful for daily.
“The most important part of our system is accountability,” said Kanth. “Painting a picture of where you want to be is important, starting first with small goals.” The Miriyalas consistently create an opportunity for team members to be accountable to each other, but also focus on shifting people’s mindsets from being self-critical and instead focusing on gratitude.
“Be grateful for all the things you did right and don’t focus so much on the things you did wrong,” said Kanth.
“Learn to be positive and affirming with yourself, looking back at the past 24 hours. Your awareness increases and the number of good things you do increases … and it just gets easier,” said Shaku.